#14 Georgetown-62 #13 Louisville-59
My game of the week, definitely the most entertaining so far. This is in no way an upset, because it was played at Georgetown and we are looking at two very equal teams. This was a very sloppy game, especially in the first half where Louisville had 11 turnovers alone. Georgetown controlled the game until the second half, where Silva, who had a horrible game (1-5 with 8 turnovers), hit a deep fade away three that sparked a Louisville comeback. At the end however, Chris Wright took over the game (game high 24) and held of Louisville. There was not too much significance to this game, that being both teams were coming off of big wins, and you expected it to be a close game. They held steady to my rule about the Big East, win at home. Georgetown held to this, and behind their crowd ended up just getting by a hot Louisville team. Not a huge loss for Louisville though, its not everyday their starting point guard will turn the ball over 8 times. Both teams keep stride with this game, I fully expect Louisville to rebound just fine against DePaul at home against Saturday.
#3 Texas-69 #16 Texas A&M-49
As predicted, a total blowout. In my mind, the most talented team in the country in Texas is finally coming together and hitting full stride. As I said, I believe that A&M is the most overrated team in the country, because they can not score the ball. It doesn't matter who you are playing in the Big 12 49 points is NOT going to cut it. Middleton struggled, once again, and if he is not creating offense there is no offense for A&M. Especially against the, surprisingly, good defense of Texas. Bottom line though, no one in the Big 12 can compete with Texas except for Kansas. If Jordan Hamilton keeps playing like he has, he will not only lead the Longhorns to a #1 seed and a Big 12 championship, he will be Big 12 player of the year.
#18 Wisconsin-66 #10 Purdue-59
Another great game, and yet another "upset" that cannot truly be considered an upset. Last time I wrote about Wisconsin I specifically said i believe they are a top 20 team ONLY when they play at home. This game was in Kohl center, I in no way expected Purdue to win. Purdue made their run in the second half, making this a very competitive game, behind JaJaun Johnson and E'Twaun Moore. Both leaders and top players in the Big 10. Wisconsin sealed this game by playing tight defense, and not allowing Purdue to score on their final 3 possessions sealing the game. Leuer once again impressed for the Badgers, scoring 24 points, and Jordan Taylor took care of the ball and scored 15 of his own. This Wisconsin team has a lot of experience and leadership, and can not be easily beat at home. Even when Ohio State comes to Madison, don't expect an easy out for the Buckeyes.
North Carolina-106 Boston College-74
Why this game as a top game? Because North Carolina is now 16-5 and only one game behind Duke. The blew out a good Boston College team in Boston. Most importantly, the real reason i note this game; Harrison Barnes scored 26, and he has scored at least 20 in 3 games in a row. What does this mean? It means North Carolina is back, and Barnes is going start shining as the freshman all american he can be.
Ole Miss-71 #11 Kentucky-69
Coach Callipari is a genius, a top recruiter, (a cheater?) and he inspires his freshman to win. However, they are still freshman. On the road, they will turn the ball over (18 turnovers on the night) and they will make mental mistakes. Ole Miss is 2-5 in the SEC on the year, and in the SEC west, that is frankly pathetic. However, they took advantage of a loud crowd and freshman mistakes and took the game over. Around the 5 minute mark however, Brandon Knight (15 points) took the game over scoring 8 in a row and tying the game up. With a one point lead and only seconds left however, Kentucky's top defender and best "not freshman" Liggins made a horrible mistake by running under the screen to allow one of the best shooters in the SEC senior Chris Warren (18.4 ppg) take a deep three to win the game for Ole Miss. A huge deal? Not entirely because you saw the same situation where last years Kentucky team lost on the road to South Carolina. However this year there is not close to as much talent, and these freshman mistakes and constant turnovers need to change, or Kentucky will struggle come tournament time.
#23 Florida-65 #24 Vanderbilt-61
I expected Vandy to take this game, because I have no trust in Florida's defense and Vandy is a great shooting team. However Florida played well at home, behind the timely scoring of Walker, Boynton and Parsons especially in overtime. However, the real point of this game is officiating. It was clear, that Jenkins got fouled on a three point shot while down two with under a minute left. Not only was it not called, it wasn't called tipped, and on the air ball Florida got the ball right back and hit a 3 to go up 5. If the ref made this call, on the road, Vandy could have easily taken this game. Moral of the story? Refs need to make the big call at the end of the game. This loss is contributed to a bad call for Vandy, and i expect them to rebound and end up a better team then Florida at the end of the year.
#17 Syracuse-66 #7 Uconn-58
The Big East making any more sense to you? Yeah, me neither. I consistently talk about how to win this league you have to win at home, not matter who comes to your house. Uconn could not do this for the exact reason I said they couldn't previously. Kemba Walker couldn't hit shots (3-14, 8 points) and this stalls Uconn's offense. Sure they have Jeremy Lamb (22 points) who is coming on as an elite scorer, however Kemba didnt even attempt a shot for a 9 minute stretch in the second half. He stood around and made other people make the plays he has been making all year. Uconn will go no where unless he learns to play inspired, and not play like he is too good for everyone else. Also Cuse also woke up, the zone kept people from penetrating, and their offense played an inside outside game that worked well. Especially for Ricky Jackson (13 points, 13 rebounds). Syracuse outplayed Uconn at the XL center, and proved they are done sliding and ready to be competitors in the Big East once again. One huge worry though is, they have to develop a 3 point shot.
Those were the biggest games of the week so far, some other notables:
Oklahoma State- 76 #15 Missouri- 70
Missouri cannot win on the road, and with Texas and Kansas in the conference, I see them as no legit threat away from home. That is, unless they can learn how to score 80 on the road too.
#21 Illinois- 68 Penn State- 51
Penn State is a threat, at home. Strictly at home. Good win for the Fighting Illini.
#2 Kansas-88 Texas Tech-66
The most unimportant game up here, but this is Bill Self's first win at Texas Tech in his 8 year career at Kansas. Surprising huh?
#12 Villanova-75 Marquette-70
Right on the edge of breaking the top 25 again, Marquette falls on the road. Big East is tough to win on the road, Marquette couldn't do it again a better Nova team.
Check back soon for a preview and predictions for the big games on Saturday.
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